The Narrator

The Dain Curse

The detective figure investigating the events surrounding the Dain Curse.

Part I: The Dains

The narrator begins the story, providing an overview of the Dain family.

I: Eight Diamonds

Continental Agency detective investigating the diamond burglary; finds a planted diamond and suspects an inside job.

II: Long-Nose

Investigates the burglary, interviews witnesses and suspects, and coordinates with police.

III: Something Black

Reunites with Fitzstephan, investigates Leggett's background, and observes Gabrielle leaving Minnie's building.

IV: The Vague Harpers

Continues investigation, visits Leggett home, checks marriage records, coordinates with operatives.

V: Gabrielle

Receives updates on the case, orchestrates surveillance, and forces entry to Gabrielle's room at the Temple.

VI: The Man from Devil’s Island

Arrives at the Leggett home after an accident, learns of Leggett's suicide, and reads the confession letter aloud.

VII: The Curse

Reads Leggett's confession, declares it murder, accuses Mrs. Leggett, and leads the investigation.

But and If

Debates Mrs. Leggett's motives with Fitzstephan, attends inquests, and is recalled to the Leggett case.

Part II: The Temple

The Op begins investigating the Temple, suspecting it of being a fraudulent operation preying on the desperate.

Tad's Blind Man

Accepts the assignment to watch over Gabrielle at the Temple; confronts Minnie about the drug run; keeps vigil through the night.

X: Dead Flowers

Wakes groggy, discovers Gabrielle missing, investigates, and later finds the murder scene cleaned up.

XI: God

Recovers from a drugged stupor, fights an attacker, and later confronts and kills Joseph Haldorn.

XII: The Unholy Grail

Recounts the full story of the Haldorn cult to Fitzstephan, describing the mechanical tricks, the gas-induced visions, and the violent climax where he killed Joseph Haldorn.

Part III: Quesada

The Op continues his investigation in Quesada.

XIII: The Cliff Road

Travels to Quesada after receiving a telegram from Eric Collinson; investigates the empty house and discovers evidence of violence; leads Deputy Rolly to the body.

XIV: The Crumpled Chrysler

Investigates the crime scene with Rolly, questions witnesses, and expresses skepticism about Mary Nunez's story.

XV: I've Killed Him

Investigates Collinson's death, argues it's murder, and coordinates with Fitzstephan.

XVI: The Night Hunt

Returns to Quesada, delivers Fitzstephan's story, participates in the search of Whidden's cabin.

XVII: Below Dull Point

Receives phone call from Mickey Linehan, investigates Cotton's alibi, accompanies the sheriff and Vernon to the cove, and helps question Gabrielle.

XVIII: The Pineapple

Debates the case with Fitzstephan, suggests Gabrielle might be the killer, survives the bomb blast, and tries to calm Gabrielle.

XIX: The Degenerate

Investigates the bomb explosion, interviews witnesses, and tries to convince Gabrielle of her sanity.

XX: The House in the Cove

Drives Gabrielle to the cove, reassures her about her fears, and plans her morphine withdrawal.

XXI: Aaronia Haldorn

Manages Gabrielle's detox, travels to Quesada and the county seat, confronts Andrews, and learns of Aaronia Haldorn's knife.

XXII: Confessional

Manages Gabrielle's withdrawal, confronts Fitzstephan, and discovers the stolen morphine bindles.

XXIII: The Circus

Reflects on Fitzstephan's hatred and the trial; discusses Gabrielle's addiction.